Category Archives: Sour Ale

In Glenview IL, Hackney’s restaurant is a stalwart classic, but not many people know that right next door, there is a small brewery that seems to have slipped under the craft beer radar, Macushla Brewing. We decided it was time to put that right, so the Landlord, Phil Clark, and guest co-host Ken McMullen headed north at the invitation of head brewer, David Kelley.

What we found turned out to be a gem with the setup and atmosphere of the brewery and taproom, but more importantly with the brews on offer. There are enough taps and style varieties to appeal to most tastes, and each one we tasted seemed to be spot on flawless.

David has been involved in craft beer in one role or another for a little over ten years, and is really knowledgeable about yeast and how it plays a crucial role in producing excellent beer. He’s got creative freedom, and he produces solid brews, which he bases on a two-beer approach. Plus a stunning reveal on David’s everyday brew, but a save with his craft selection!

This week we add on to show 256 where we reviewed a number of brews from Denver, Colorado, and this time we have 3 more bombers from breweries in and around Denver, and one from downstate Colorado. We’ve headed out to record this show at Church Street Brewing in Itasca, where we assembled a plethora of brewers and consumers. As well as my 2 co-hosts, Lingo and Chuck, we have head CSB brewer T.J. Bachorz,and owner Lisa Gregor, plus hovering on the perimeter is new assistant brewer L.J.

We start our show with a warm-up brew, Church Street’s Dunkel, a dark lager that segue’s nicely in to our first CO brew from Great Divide, The Smoothness. Then we work our way through some barrel-aged bombers from the Denver Beer Co., Elevation Brewing, and finally Crooked Stave. At the end hear which is our favorite!

This is the second in our series of podcasts recorded LIVE at breweries along the I-55 corridor, within 4 miles of an exit. This time we head to Willow Springs and visit Imperial Oak Brewing. Our hosts for the evening are brewer / co-founders, Brett Semenske and Grant Hamilton, who bring with them their Flagship, Showcase, and Inspiration beers for us to taste and talk about, and we hear stories of how the brewery came to be, how it has developed, and what’s in store for the future. And finally, bringing in the ‘chain’ beer ready for our next Corridor 55 podcast, brewers Jordan Isenberg, and Justin Rigoni, from Blue Nose Brewery in Hodgkins. Usual co-host Chuck Fort is busy at a UKG meeting, so joining me as guest co-hosts are Corridor 55 producer and craft beer promoter, Kevin Herbst, and the ‘Yankee’, Mike ‘Lingo’ Lingafelter.

As we talk about the origins of the brewery, the futures, what their favorite TV shows are, and home brewing versus commercial brewing, we taste and review their beer selections.

Flagship Beer – a brew that represents a mainstay, and something you should always try when you visit
Udderly Black, Milk Stout, 5.4% ABVShowcase Beer – a brew that the guests want to highlight as something specialCognac Barrel Aged Double Dee’s, Imperial Porter, 10% ABVInspiration Beer – a brew that has some type of inspirational aspect or personal sentiment to our guests
Dave’s Pale Ale, American Pale Ale homebrew, a beer that won mant awards and inspired Imperial to have it on tap from time to time.Chain Beer – the brew that links our focus brewery to the next podcast release
Blue Nose Brewery, Lenna, Kettle Sour, 4.2% ABV

Mark Naski has returned from the wilds of Idaho, via Utah, and has brought a plethora of brews from established and new breweries for us to taste and review. In this episode, we will focus on 4 beers that are fruit-based sours. We recorded this show last weekend and enjoyed delightful 80 degree weather, outside on a friend’s deck. Mark spent time doing what he likes best – cooking on the BBQ and tasting beers – and The Brit was happy to join in. Together with friends of the show Deb, our hostess, The Brit’s other half, the lovely Kimberlee, and tavern owner John Karwoski, we find that fruited sours are a delightful match for late Fall sunshine and good food.

Sour and Fruited Lineup

De Achste Hond

Aura Cherry and Nectarine

Uinta Birthday Suit

Thank you -shrink wrap and not Wax

Barrel aged Peach Creek Sour

We also play in some on-brewery reports from listener Lisa who met up with Mark recently at the Uinta brewery in Salt Lake City. They report on several of the beers available on tap from there, so thanks to them!